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Six secrets of active families

You see them on the weekends; riding their bikes to the sporting fields where they cheer on their children before riding to a park for a quick picnic lunch before spending the afternoon playing frisbee, football and flying the odd kite. Who are these active families and what is their secret? We reveal the secrets so you too can be an active family.

Just do it

Active families don't think about getting out and about – they just do it. It comes naturally. You can make it come naturally to you too. Think about how you could make your life active, do a bit of research, and then put the plan into action. Perhaps you could:

take up a team sport

walk to the local shops rather than drive

walk or cycle the kids to school

go for a family bike ride on the weekend

make Sunday your family active day and get to the park.

Find what you love

Many people don't exercise because they think it’s drudgery. If you don't love it, you won't keep doing it. Think about what you loved doing as a kid – then start doing it again. Whether it's skipping, adult ballet, softball or swimming, almost every kids' activity has an adult counterpart. Don't just dream about it – do it.

Make it a date

Write firm dates for exercise and activity on your calendar and follow through. If you plan on walking after dinner every night as a family, then make sure you do it. Every night. If there's something on TV after dinnertime one night, plan ahead and have an early dinner. Don't let life get in the way of active living.

Practice what you preach

Kids follow our example. If you want an active kid – you need to be an active adult. Kids who see their parents routinely exercise will also think it's a normal and natural thing. If you take your child to sport training, rather than sitting in the car and waiting for them – or dashing off to do some shopping – wear trainers and go for a walk/run around the sports field while they’re training.

Try something new

Sometimes it takes a while to find something that you love, sometimes you'll be surprised at what you enjoy. For example, boxing classes; many women LOVE them. Check out your local gyms or exercise classes and find something that intrigues you. It could be burlesque fitness, aqua zumba, dragon boating – the sky's the limit. Same with kids, don't just sign them up for soccer because you played as a kid. What else is out there that could interest them? Check out some videos on YouTube to assess your child's interest and then Google to find a class or team nearby.

Make it fun

When you take your child to the park, don’t half-heartedly stand there pushing the swing. Give your arms a real workout and really give them a push. Join in! Remember the exhilaration of sliding down a slippery dip? Don’t just enjoy the memory – do it!

The best way to encourage your kids to get active is to see their parents participating and enjoying it. Make movement fun – not a chore. If you do something active every day it’ll become a normal, natural part of life. Go on, your family will be much healthier and happier for it.